I love this hymn, it is one of my favorites, but I am not sure about the idea that we can somehow prove ourselves worthy. If we could, then there would be no need for an Atonement. Christ suffered precisely *because* we were unworthy. We can be redeemed only because he *was* worthy, and was the only one who was worthy.

I think too often we beat ourselves with the idea that we have to be perfect before we let Christ in, that somehow our shadows and dark corners might make him love us less, or shock him and cause him to turn away. The reality is, of course, exactly the opposite. He has experienced first hand all of our darkness, and still he is standing at the door knocking. All we have to do is let him in.

There is great power in realizing that I, of myself, can never obtain salvation. I cannot ever perfect myself. The work is too large. When I realize this, then I can quit trying to do it *myself* and accept the grace of Christ, accept his power and his help in that perfecting process. Suddenly the weight leaves my shoulders and lands squarely on his - surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.